Safety handle for opening the trunk of a vehicle from inside

ABSTRACT

A safety handle for opening a deck lid of a vehicle from inside the trunk compartment includes a handle and a housing having an outer wall and a perimeter surface. The housing defines a recess therein, which is positioned below or behind a plane defined by the perimeter surface of the housing. The handle is positioned in the recess and includes a handle portion and a shaft portion which defines a pivot axis of the handle. The shaft portion is pivotably mounted to the housing whereby said handle portion is positioned within the recess and below the plane defined by the perimeter surface such that the handle is pivotable within the recess. The handle is connectable to the release mechanism of the deck lid and pivotable to actuate the release mechanism to open the deck lid of the trunk.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] This invention relates generally to a handle for opening a doorto a compartment, and more particularly, a handle for opening a deck lidof a vehicle from inside the space enclosed by the deck lid.

[0002] Typically, the deck lid or door to trunk spaces are opened by akey being inserted and turned in a lock cylinder from a positionexteriorly of the deck lid or by a button or lever that is positionedwithin the passenger compartment of the vehicle. While it has beensuggested that a handle be placed in the interior of the trunk space,because of numerous difficulties, to date, vehicle manufacturers havenot included a device specifically for opening the trunk from the insideof the trunk space. Even fold down rear seats, which are common in manyvehicles today, cannot be folded down from within the trunk space.Although placement of a release mechanism in the trunk space has beensuggested in the prior art, no commercially acceptable mechanism ordevice has been developed. Therefore, if a person is within the trunkspace when the deck lid is closed, there is no way for a person to openthe deck lid and get out of the trunk.

[0003] When the deck lid is closed, the space within the trunk istypically small and very dark. Although a light source is typicallyprovided in a trunk to provide light to the trunk space when the trunkspace is open, these lights are deactivated when the trunk is closed, inorder to prevent excessive drain on the battery of the vehicle.Therefore, when a person is trapped within a trunk, it is nearlyimpossible to see anything within the trunk, such that even if a releasemechanism were operable within the trunk, a person would not be able tofind the mechanism after the deck lid had been closed. Furthermore, dueto the cramped and tight space within a trunk, a person's movements toreach and operate a release mechanism are extremely restricted.

[0004] This inability to open a trunk of a vehicle from inside the trunkspace has unfortunately lead to many injuries and even deaths over theyears. When the deck lid is closed, the interior space of the trunk mayreach extreme temperatures during the summer time, such that a personcan only survive therein for a short period of time. Typically, theseinjuries and deaths occur to children, who enter the trunk to eitherplay or hide and then trap themselves within the trunk by closing thedeck lid.

[0005] Therefore, there is a need in the art for an interior trunkrelease mechanism which is highly visible under minimal lightingconditions such as when the deck lid of the trunk is closed.Furthermore, the release mechanism should be easily recognizable andoperable even by children, and should avoid damage or deterioration ofexisting vehicle systems such as the battery or electrical system whileremaining operable.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] The present invention is intended to provide a mechanicalapparatus for activating a release mechanism for a deck lid of a trunkof a vehicle from within the interior space of the trunk.

[0007] According to a first aspect of the present invention, anapparatus is adapted for use in opening a deck lid of a vehicle and ispositionable within a compartment substantially enclosed by the decklid. The apparatus comprises a handle for activating a release mechanismfor opening the compartment which is of a bright color and in contrastto a background upon which it is installed. Preferably, the color isselected to convey a safe and friendly image to a child, such as ayellow or bright green color.

[0008] Preferably, the apparatus includes at least one illuminationsource which is at least occasionally activated to provide illuminationof the handle, and a control circuit for at least temporarily activatingthe at least one illumination source when the deck lid is closed. Thecontrol circuit activates the at least one illumination source inresponse to an occurrence of an activating event.

[0009] In one form, the illumination source is at least one lightemitting diode which provides either direct or indirect illumination tothe handle of the present invention. The illumination source istemporarily activated upon closure of the deck lid and may be furtheractivated upon a second activating event, such as movement of the handleor detection of a person or animal within the trunk space by a motiondetector or temperature sensor or the like.

[0010] According to another aspect of the present invention, theapparatus includes a handle, an illumination source and a controlcircuit. The handle is interconnected to a release mechanism of thecompartment and at least partially provides a mechanical advantage suchthat the release mechanism may be activated upon exertion of less than20 Newtons in a predetermined direction on the handle. The illuminationsource provides illumination to the handle and is activated by thecontrol circuit upon an occurrence of an activating event.

[0011] According to yet another aspect of the present invention, anapparatus is adapted for use in opening a compartment of a vehicle andis positionable within the compartment and substantially enclosed by alid. The lid is openable by an electrically controlled latch. Theapparatus is adapted to activate the latch in response to an activationof the apparatus.

[0012] In one form, the apparatus includes an electromechanical devicewhich activates the latch when at least a portion of the device ismoved. Preferably, the electromechanical device is a button and theactivation is a pressing of the button.

[0013] Therefore, the present invention provides a trunk releaseapparatus which is easily recognizable and operable by a child, aschildren are the ones typically harmed by being trapped in a trunk. Therelease apparatus is easy to activate and is preferably a brightfriendly color so as not to frighten or confuse a child who may betrapped within the trunk. Furthermore, an illumination source ispreferably provided to increase the visibility of the release mechanism.The illumination source should only be activated for a limited period oftime in order to prevent excessive drain on the battery of the vehicle.

[0014] These and other objects, advantages, purposes and features ofthis invention will become apparent upon review of the followingspecification in conjunction with the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a deck lid of a vehicleincorporating the present invention;

[0016]FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of the present invention priorto it being installed in the vehicle;

[0017]FIG. 3 is a front elevation of the housing and handle of thepresent invention;

[0018]FIG. 4a is a cross-sectional view taken substantially along lineIVA-IVA in FIG. 3;

[0019]FIG. 4b is an enlarged view of the area labelled IVB in FIG. 4a;

[0020]FIG. 5 is a rear elevation of the present invention; and

[0021]FIG. 6 is a block diagram of the control circuit of the presentinvention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0022] Referring now specifically to the drawings and the illustrativeembodiments depicted therein, there is shown in FIG. 1 a safety releaseapparatus or assembly 10, which includes a handle 12 which isinterconnected to a release mechanism 14 for opening a deck lid or trunklid 16 of a trunk compartment 18 of a vehicle 20. The vehicle 20 may bea sedan, coupe or even a hatchback or the like, which includes a storagecompartment 18 substantially enclosed by a lid or door 16, such as atrunk or the like. Handle 12 of safety release apparatus 10 isinterconnected with release mechanism 14 of deck lid 16 such thatrelease mechanism 14 is activated, and deck lid 16 subsequently opened,in response to a movement of handle 12. Safety release mechanism 10 ismounted on an interior surface 16 a of either the deck lid 16 orelsewhere within trunk space 18, so as to allow an operator of safetyapparatus 10 to open the trunk from within trunk space 18. Mostpreferably, safety mechanism 10 is mounted on a downward extendingportion or waterfall 16 b of deck lid 16, as shown in FIG. 1. However,clearly safety release apparatus 10 may be mounted elsewhere withintrunk space 18 of vehicle 20, such as on a side wall of the trunk spaceor the like, without affecting the scope of the present invention.

[0023] Handle 12 of the present invention is preferably injection moldedfrom a resinous polymeric material such as polycarbonate/PBT orpolyearbonate/ABS or the like and includes a long handle portion 12 aand a shaft portion 12 b (FIG. 4a), which provides for a pivot axis 22of handle 12. However, handle 12 may alternatively be a switch, pushbutton or any other electromechanical device which may be electronicallyinterconnected to an electronic latch mechanism, such that movement ofat least a portion of the device releases the release mechanism in orderto open the trunk. Handle 12 is designed and formed so as to be easilyrecognizable as an opening device for a door or the like, and further isformed with rounded edges along the handle portion 12 a so as to make ita comfortable handle for a child or other occupant within the trunk tograsp and operate. Handle 12 may further include text or a picture on afacing surface 12 c to convey to an operator of handle 12 that handle 12is for opening the trunk. Furthermore, the color of handle 12 isselected to be a “friendly” color for children, so that any small childwhich may become trapped within trunk space 18 will not fear the handleas being something that is hot or otherwise harmful to touch.Preferably, the color selected is a bright green or yellow, which hasbeen shown to convey a bright yet “friendly” or cool to touch appearanceto the handle. It is important that the handle be child friendly so thateven the smallest and youngest children who may be trapped within thetrunk will not be afraid to operate the handle 12.

[0024] By providing a light color which does not convey an image of heator otherwise harmful material, the handle 12 of the present invention ismore likely to be grasped and operated by small children than a handlewhich may otherwise be of a “harmful” color, such as red or orange,which a child may believe is hot to touch. In order to make handle 12more visible in minimum lighting conditions, handle 12 is alsopreferably mounted adjacent to a background 24 that is of asubstantially darker color than handle 12, so as to provide a starkcontrast between the handle and its background for better visibility ofthe handle in minimal lighting conditions. The background 24 may be asurface of a housing 28 for safety release assembly 10 or may be aninterior surface of the trunk space 18 or deck lid 16 itself.

[0025] Safety release apparatus 10 preferably is installed within ahousing 28, which is secured within trunk space 18 such that handle 12is positioned within a recess 30 of housing 28. Housing 28 is preferablyinjection molded from a resinous polymeric material such aspolycarbonate/PBT or polycarbonate/ABS or the like and may be black oranother dark color. Housing 28 functions to protect handle 12 from beingbumped or damaged by items which may be stored within trunk space 18 ofvehicle 20. Not only does this prevent damage to handle 12 or othercomponents of safety release apparatus 10, but housing 28 alsosubstantially precludes the possibility of handle 12 being accidentallycontacted and moved by the stored items so as to prevent unintentionalopening of trunk space 18.

[0026] As best shown in FIGS. 2-4 a, housing 28 includes a substantiallyflat and outward extending flange 32 along its rearward end and a raisedperimeter, front surface 33. Flange 32 allows for easy installation ofthe present invention, as fasteners or adhesive or the like may beinserted through or applied to flange 32 and then secured to an interiorsurface of either deck lid 16 or other interior surface of the trunkspace 18 of the vehicle 20. Clearly, the safety release mechanism 10 maybe installed on a vehicle during the assembly of the vehicle by themanufacturer, or may be installed later as an after market unit, withoutaffecting the scope of the present invention.

[0027] Handle 12 is preferably positioned within recess 30 of housing 28below or behind the plane of front surface 33 such that the handle maypivot about its axis 22 within recess 30. Perimeter surface 33 helpsprotect handle 12 from stored items within trunk or compartment 18, andhelps prevent accidental activation of handle 12. Recess 30 may alsoinclude at least one stop 30 a, which limits rotational travel of handle12 within a predetermined range. Preferably, as shown in FIGS. 4a and 4b, handle 12 includes a cylindrical bearing or barrel section 35 whichhas longitudinally extending sections 35 a separated by slots which aregenerally parallel to the pivot axis 22 of handle 12. The slots allowthe longitudinal sections 35 a to flex inward as shaft 12 b is insertedinto opening 28 a in housing 28. Barrel section 35 may also include aplurality of resilient, angled flange or tabs 35 b formed at a free end35 c of longitudinal sections 35 a and extending radially outwardlytherefrom. Tabs 35 b each have an inclined outer edge or surface 35 dand a substantially flat, planar edge 35 e extending generallyperpendicular to axis 22 when handle 12 is mounted in opening 28 a. Asshaft 12 b is inserted into opening 28 a, the inclined surfaces 35 d oftabs 35 b engage the opening 28 a and cam the sections 35 a inwardly andguide insertion of barrel section 35 through opening 28 a. As tabs 35 bprotrude through opening 28 a, flat edges 35 e engage an interiorsurface 28 e of housing 28 adjacent opening 28 a so as to snap fithandle 12 into housing 28. This allows handle 12 to be easily rotatedwithin opening 28 a, yet substantially precludes handle 12 from beingpulled outward from opening 28 a.

[0028] Additionally, a biasing member 34 such as a torisional spring orthe like (FIG. 5), may be provided about shaft 12 b of handle 12 inorder to bias handle 12 in an initial position. Biasing member 34preferably is positioned around a lower end 37 of handle shaft 12 b,such that one end 34 a of biasing member 34 engages a stop tab 34 b onhousing 28 and another end 34 c engages a slot 37 a along lower portion37 of shaft 12 b. This substantially fixes both ends 34 a and 34 c ofbiasing member 34 so that rotational movement of handle 12 about axis 22winds the torisional spring, which then provides a rotational force onshaft 12 b to return handle 12 to its initial position.

[0029] Preferably, handle 12 is interconnected to release mechanism 14by a lever 36 and a cable 38, as best shown in FIG. 5. The lever 36 isattached to lower portion 37 of shaft 12 b, which extends downward fromhandle 12 a through barrel section 35 and is of a lesser diameter thanbarrel section 35. Lower portion 37 is substantially non-circular at itsfree end and includes slot 37 a extending longitudinally along its axis22. Slot 37 a allows lower portion 37 to flex inward for attachment oflever 36 thereto and further provides for the end 34 c of biasing member34, as discussed above. An annular groove 37 b may also be includedaround lower portion 37 for securing lever 36 thereto.

[0030] As best shown in FIG. 4b, lever 36 is preferably a substantiallystraight lever arm, which includes an opening 40 at one end 36 a throughwhich lower portion 37 of shaft 12 b is inserted, such that lever 36 isfixedly secured to shaft 12 b of handle 12. Lever 36 may include angledtabs 40 a protruding inwardly at opening 40 to engage a correspondinglip 37 c along groove 37 b of shaft 12 b, thereby snapping lever 36 ontolower portion 37 to prevent lever 36 from being removed from shaft 12 b.Tabs 40 a of lever 36 function similarly to tabs 35 b of barrel section35 as they engage lip 37 c and prevent lever 36 from being removed fromshaft 12 b. As lower portion 37 of shaft 12 b is inserted throughopening 40 in lever 36, tabs 40 a cam lower portion 37 inward, as slot37 a allows lower portion 37 to flex inwardly, until tabs 40 a snap intogroove 37 b.

[0031] Preferably, both opening 40 and lower end 37 of shaft 12 b arecorrespondingly substantially non-circular, such that lever 36 cannotrotate relative to shaft 12 b. More preferably, opening 40 and lowershaft end 37 are substantially square as shown in FIG. 5. At a secondend 36 b of lever 36, there is located an attaching slot 42 or the like,which may be secured to cable 38. As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, anunderside of housing 28 provides for a cavity in which lever 36 is alsosubstantially encased, again to prevent damage to the lever and tofurther prevent accidental activation of the release mechanism 14.

[0032] Cable 38 preferably comprises an inner cable 38 a and an outersheath 38 b through which inner cable 38 a may travel. At each end 38 cand 38 d of inner cable 38 a is a pin 44 for engaging a correspondingslot or other attaching means. Pin 44 on a first end 38 c of inner cable38 a is secured to slot 42 on lever 36 while pin 42 on a second end 38 dof inner cable 38 a is likewise secured to a slot (not shown) on releasemechanism 14. Outer sheath 38 b of cable 38 is secured to housing 28through a cable opening 28 b in one side and to a bracket (not shown)substantially adjacent release mechanism 14. Movement of first end 38 cof inner cable 38 a therefore results in a substantially similar amountof travel of second end 38 d of inner cable 38 a, while cable 38 ismaintained by sheath 38 b in a predetermined path between housing 28 andrelease mechanism 14.

[0033] When handle 12 a is grasped and pivoted about its pivot axis 22,lever 36 is correspondingly pivoted about the same axis 22. As shown inFIG. 5, this results in second end 36 b of lever 36 traveling along anarcuate path which causes a linear travel of substantially the samedistance to occur to first end 38 c of inner cable 38 a. As first end 38c travels along the arcuate path, second end 38 d of inner cablelikewise is moved a linear distance substantially equal to the lineartravel of first end 38 c. Safety release assembly 10 is designed suchthat a pivoting handle 12 a until handle 12 a is approximately at stop30 a in recess 30 results in a predetermined amount of cable travel incable 38 so as to activate release mechanism 14, thereby opening decklid 16 of vehicle 20. Preferably, this pivot requirement is less thanapproximately a 15 degree rotation of handle 12. Although shown anddescribed as including a lever and cable to activate release mechanism14, clearly the present invention may incorporate other mechanical meansfor interconnecting the handle 12 to the release mechanism 14, withoutaffecting the scope of the present invention. For example, second end 36b of lever 36 may be directly connected to release mechanism 14 or toanother form of linkage, such as an additional lever arm or the like.

[0034] Although safety release assembly 10 is shown and described asincluding a handle, lever and cable system, it is envisioned that othermeans of activating a release latch or mechanism may be implemented. Forexample, for a vehicle including an electronically operated latch, thesafety release assembly may include an electromechanical device forsignaling or activating the latch and thus opening the deck lid. Theelectromechanical device may be a push button, handle or switchpositioned within the trunk space and electronically interconnected withthe latch mechanism, such that activation or movement of the deviceenergizes a solenoid within the latch mechanism or otherwise causes thelatch mechanism to release, thereby opening the trunk. The device may bea bright color and may be easily recognized and operated by a smallchild in accordance with the present invention as discussed above.

[0035] Preferably, safety release assembly 10 further includes at leastone illumination source 46 for providing illumination to handle 12, andan electronic control circuit 48 for at least temporarily activating theillumination source 46 in response to at least one activating event, asdiscussed below. The illumination provided by illumination source 46allows a person who may be trapped within trunk space 18 to see handle12 so as to grasp the handle and open the trunk, as the trunk spacewould otherwise be too dark for a person to see where the handle islocated. This is especially critical when a child is trapped in thetrunk, as a child would not even know to look for such a handle, muchless know where the handle may be positioned within the trunk. Mostpreferably, the light emitted by illumination source 46 will be of lowintensity and a “friendly” color to avoid frightening a child, who maybelieve that the handle is hot if it is illuminated by a bright light orthe like.

[0036] Illumination source 46 is thus provided to illuminate handle 12when the deck lid of 16 of vehicle 20 is closed, as the trunk space 18becomes very dark when fully enclosed. Preferably, illumination source46 is at least one light emitting diode (LED) or other non-incandescentillumination source (such as organic or inorganic electroluminescentsources, phosphorescent sources, etc.), as these types of illuminationsources minimize the drain on the vehicle battery when they areactivated, as well as being highly durable and long-lasting. The LEDsmay be selected to provide illumination in a preferred color, such asgreen or yellow, and may be selected to draw a minimal amount of currentfrom the vehicle battery or the like. Preferably, an LED is selectedwhich draws less than about 45 milliamps when activated, and morepreferably, the LED draws less than or equal to about 30 milliamps whenactivated. Such LEDs are commercially available, examples being aHyper-Bright LED manufactured by Siemens or other LEDs manufactured byHewlett-Packard. Most preferably, illumination source 46 is at least twoLEDs, so that if one fails for some unforeseen reason, there is still atleast one additional LED providing illumination to handle 12. Althoughillumination source 46 is shown and described as an LED or the like,clearly other illumination sources may be provided in varying locationswithin the trunk without affecting the scope of the present invention.For example, illumination source 46 may be within handle portion 12 a ofhandle 12 itself, to provide direct illumination of handle 12.Furthermore, illumination source 46 may be provided by handle 12 beingmade out of a highly visible and glowing phosphorus material or thelike. Alternatively, illumination source 16 may be an incandescentsource, such as a filament lamp, a halogen lamp, a neon lamp, or thelike. Preferably, illumination source 16 may also serve as the standardtrunk light, which is normally activated when the trunk or deck lid isopened, thereby providing light to the entire trunk space when the trunkis closed.

[0037] As shown in FIGS. 4a and 5, illumination source 46 is mostpreferably located on a circuit board or chip 50 containing controlcircuit 48, and is substantially encased along with control circuit 48within housing 28 in order to prevent damage to illumination source 46or control circuit 48 by items stored within the trunk. Illuminationsource 46 may project light through at least one slot or opening 52 in aside wall 30 b of recess 30 such that illumination source 46 is directedtoward handle portion 12 a of handle 12. Handle portion 12 a may also betwisted or angled such that the facing surface 12 c of handle portion 12a is angled toward illumination source 46 in order to receive andreflect illumination from illumination source 46 over a greater surfacearea. A removable access panel 28 c (FIG. 2) may also be included onhousing 28 to provide for easy access for installation and maintenanceof both control circuit 48 and illumination source 46 within a cavity 28d formed by housing 28. Preferably, control circuit 48 is snap fit ontoan interior side 30 c of side wall 30 b such that illumination source 46is aligned with slot 52. Control circuit 48 further includes a wiringharness and connector 60 for connecting control circuit 14 to a powersource located on vehicle 24, such as the vehicle battery or the like.

[0038] Control circuit 48 functions to activate illumination source 46upon an occurrence of an activating event. The activating event may bethe closing of deck lid 16 and/or the closing or folding back of anyfold-down rear seats which may be present in vehicle 20. For example, asshown in FIG. 6, vehicle 20 may include a trunk closure sensor 54 and/ora seat sensor 56 to provide a signal to control circuit 48 when thetrunk is closed or the seats are folded to their upright position,thereby enclosing trunk space 18. Preferably, control circuit 48 alsofunctions to deactivate illumination source 46 after a period of timefollowing the activating event. For example, control circuit 48 mayinclude a timer or other timing mechanism 58 which triggers deactivationof illumination source 46 after a predetermined period of time, such asthirty minutes or an hour, has elapsed following the initial activationof illumination source 46. Control circuit 48 continues to reset andreactivate illumination source 46 upon subsequent occurrences of one ormore activating events, following deactivation of illumination source 46after the predetermined period of time has elapsed.

[0039] Referring to FIG. 6, control circuit 48 may also activateillumination source 46 in response to additional activating events, suchas an ignition switch 62 of vehicle 20 being activated, a door sensor 64signaling that a door of vehicle 20 is being opened or closed or otherfunctions of vehicle 20 which pertain to the entering or leaving ofvehicle 20 or movement of the vehicle. Safety release assembly 10 mayfurther include a motion detector or sensor 66 (such as a pyro detector,preferably a low current pyro detector) and/or a temperature sensor 68such as a bolometer within trunk space 22, so as to provide a signal tocontrol circuit 48 when a movement or predetermined temperature of anobject in trunk space 18 is detected. The present invention may alsoinclude a handle sensor 70 which detects movement of handle 12 toprovide an additional signal to control circuit 48. Control circuit 48may then, in response to a signal from the motion detector 66, thetemperature sensor 68, or the handle sensor 70, activate illuminationsource 46 to provide illumination of handle 12 in trunk space 18.Furthermore, in response to such signals, which convey a message that aperson or animal may be entrapped within trunk space 18, control circuit48 may activate other additional auxiliary signals or displays. Forexample, control circuit 48 may activate an alarm 72, a horn 74, anauxiliary light 76 elsewhere on vehicle 20, a door or trunk lock or lockrelease 78 of vehicle 20, an auxiliary message display 80, which may bewithin vehicle 20 or remote from the vehicle, or the like, in order toprovide an operator or anyone else within the vicinity of vehicle 20information pertaining to a person or animal being entrapped within thetrunk space 18 of the vehicle. The alarm 72, auxiliary light 76, horn74, message display 80, lock system 78 or the like may be activated upona first detection of motion or temperature within trunk space 18, or mayalternatively be activated upon a second, third, or fourth occurrence ofsuch detections. The number of detections required prior to an alarm orthe like being activated by control circuit 48 are preferably resetfollowing an opening and closing of deck lid 16 or a folding down of arear seat within vehicle 20, if applicable.

[0040] When installed in the vehicle, the present invention thereforeprovides for illumination source 46 to be activated for a period of timefollowing closure of the trunk and/or a folding of rear seats of vehicle20. While the illumination source 46 is activated, a child or otherperson that may be entrapped within trunk space 18 will be able toeasily see and identify handle 12. Because it is difficult for a personto move about within the small trunk space of a typical vehicle, andbecause typically it is a very small child that may be entrappedtherein, the present invention also provides a handle 12 which is veryeasily pivoted about its axis so as to open deck lid 16 of vehicle 20.Preferably, handle 12, lever 36 and cable 38 cooperate to allow releasemechanism 14 of deck lid 16 to be opened with only a minimal amount offorce being applied to handle portion 12 a. The force required to pivothandle 12 about its pivot axis 22, thereby activating release mechanism14 of deck lid 16, is preferably less than or equal to about 20 Newtonsapplied in a direction substantially perpendicular to the handle portion12 a. More preferably, the force required to open deck lid 16 is lessthan or equal to about 15 Newtons and most preferably, the forcerequired is less than or equal to about 10 Newtons. A person which istrapped within trunk space 18, upon identifying the handle 12 as a meansin which to open the trunk of the vehicle, merely grasps the handle andeasily pivots the handle, which subsequently activates release mechanism14 of vehicle 20 as discussed above. Once release mechanism 14 isactivated, the trunk may be easily pushed open so as to allow the personto get out of the trunk.

[0041] An alternate embodiment of the present invention provides for amodule, which includes a handle, illumination source, control circuit,and housing similar to those discussed above, and further includes alicense plate holder and lock cylinder for the deck lid which arepositioned on an exterior surface of the deck lid. This embodiment mayalso include an exterior handle such that the trunk may be opened fromoutside without having to insert a key within the lock cylinder orotherwise enter the vehicle to release the trunk release lever fromwithin the vehicle. The module is installed through an opening in thetrunk lid and preferably includes a lock cylinder and release mechanismfor opening the trunk.

[0042] Therefore, the present invention provides a safety releaseapparatus for opening a deck lid or trunk of a vehicle from inside thetrunk space. The apparatus of the present invention is easy to installin the vehicle, and is easily recognized and operated by a small childthat may become trapped within the trunk of the vehicle. The color andintensity of the handles and illumination are selected to convey afriendly, non-hot appearance to the handle, such that a child willeasily see the handle and not be afraid to grasp the handle in order toopen the trunk. Furthermore, the control circuit of the presentinvention activates the illumination source or other auxiliary signal inresponse to an activating event and deactivates the illumination sourceafter a period of time in order to minimize the overall drain on thevehicle battery. The illumination source is also selected to be anon-incandescent device, such as an LED or the like, which is highlydurable and long lasting, yet requires a minimal amount of energy fromthe battery of the vehicle, even while it is activated. Although theillumination source and control circuit of the present invention requireconnection to an electrical power source in order to provideillumination to the handle of the present invention, no electrical poweris required to operate the handle and thus release the release mechanismin order to open the trunk of the vehicle. The handle, lever, cable andrelease mechanism are all mechanical devices, such that the trunk may beopened even when there is a power loss to the vehicle itself.Furthermore, even if power is lost to the vehicle, the color of thehandle is preferably selected to be a light bright color, and starklycontrasts the background on which the handle is installed so as toremain visible in very low light conditions.

[0043] Changes and modifications in the specifically describedembodiments can be carried out without departing from the principles ofthe invention, which is intended to be limited only by the scope of thepending claims, as interpreted to the principles of patent law.

The embodiments of the invention in which an exclusive property right orprivilege is claimed are defined as follows:
 1. An apparatus adapted foruse in opening a deck lid of a vehicle, said apparatus beingpositionable within a compartment substantially enclosed by the decklid, the compartment having a release mechanism for opening the decklid, said apparatus adapted for operation from the interior of thecompartment when the deck lid is closed and comprising: a handle foractivating the release mechanism for opening the compartment, saidhandle having an attachment for interconnection with the releasemechanism of the compartment; at least one illumination source which isat least occasionally activated to provide illumination of said handle;and a control circuit for activating said at least one illuminationsource when the deck lid is closed in response to an occurrence of atleast one activating event, said control circuit providing a timelimitation which deactivates said illumination source a predeterminedperiod of time following said at least one activating event.
 2. Theapparatus of claim 1 , wherein said at least one activating event is aclosing of the compartment.
 3. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein saidat least one activating event is at least one of an ignition of thevehicle being activated, an opening of at least one door of the vehicleand a closing of said at least one door of the vehicle.
 4. The apparatusof claim 1 , wherein said at least one activating event is movement ofsaid handle.
 5. The apparatus of claim 4 , wherein said control circuitfurther activates at least one of a lock release, a horn and at leastone auxiliary illumination source on the vehicle in response to said atleast one activating event.
 6. The apparatus of claim 1 furtherincluding at least one of a motion sensor and a temperature sensor, saidat least one activating event being at least one of a movement of saidhandle, a detection of a movement within the compartment by said motionsensor and a detection of a predetermined temperature of an objectwithin the compartment by said temperature sensor.
 7. The apparatus ofclaim 6 , wherein said control circuit further activates at least one ofan alarm, a lock release, a horn and at least one auxiliary illuminationsource on the vehicle in response to at least one of a movement of saidhandle, an output of said motion sensor and an output of saidtemperature sensor.
 8. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein said at leastone illumination source is also activated when the compartment is openin order to provide light to the interior space of the compartment. 9.The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein said control circuit is resetfollowing said time limitation, said control circuit reactivating saidat least one illumination source following a secondary activating event.10. The apparatus of claim 9 , wherein said secondary activating eventis a movement of said handle.
 11. The apparatus of claim 9 furtherincluding at least one of a motion sensor and a temperature sensor, saidsecondary activating event being at least one of a movement of saidhandle, a detection of a movement within the compartment by said motionsensor and a detection of a predetermined temperature of an objectwithin the compartment by said temperature sensor.
 12. The apparatus ofclaim 1 1, wherein said control circuit further activates at least oneof an alarm, a lock release, a horn and at least one auxiliaryillumination source on the vehicle in response to said secondaryactivating event.
 13. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein said handle isa light color and is positioned on a dark background to provide acontrast in which said handle is highly visible when said at least oneillumination source is activated.
 14. The apparatus of claim 1 , whereinsaid at least one illumination source is a light emitting diode.
 15. Theapparatus of claim 14 , wherein said at least one illumination sourcedraws less than or equal to about 45 milliamps.
 16. The apparatus ofclaim 14 , wherein said at least one illumination source draws less thanor equal to about 30 milliamps.
 17. The apparatus of claim 1 , whereinsaid at least one illumination source comprises at least two lightemitting diodes.
 18. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein said handle atleast partially provides a mechanical advantage which requires less thanor equal to about 20 Newtons applied thereto in order to activate therelease mechanism of the deck lid.
 19. The apparatus of claim 1 ,wherein said handle at least partially provides a mechanical advantagewhich requires less than or equal to about 15 Newtons applied thereto inorder to activate the release mechanism of the deck lid.
 20. Theapparatus of claim 1 , wherein said handle at least partially provides amechanical advantage which requires less than or equal to about 10Newtons applied thereto in order to activate the release mechanism ofthe deck lid.
 21. An apparatus adapt ed for opening a substantiallyenclosed compartment from within a vehicle compartment, the compartmenthaving a release mechanism, said apparatus being installable within thevehicle compartment and comprising: a handle for activating the releasemechanism for opening the compartment, said handle having an attachmentfor interconnection with the release mechanism, said handle being afirst color which substantially contrasts with a second color of abackground, said handle being mounted substantially adjacent saidbackground; at least one illumination source for providing illuminationof said handle; and a control circuit which at least temporarilyactivates said illumination source upon an occurrence of at least oneactivating event.
 22. The apparatus of claim 21 , wherein said apparatusincludes a housing adapted to be positioned on an interior surface ofthe compartment, said handle being recessed within said housing.
 23. Theapparatus of claim 22 , wherein said housing provides said background.24. The apparatus of claim 22 , wherein said at least one illuminationsource is recessed within said housing at a position spaced from saidhandle and provides illumination of said handle when said at least oneillumination source is activated by said control circuit.
 25. Theapparatus of claim 21 , wherein said first color is light and saidsecond color is dark.
 26. The apparatus of claim 21 , wherein said firstcolor of said handle is one of a bright yellow and a bright green color.27. The apparatus of claim 21 , wherein said handle comprises aphosphorescent material, such that said material of said handle providesillumination of said handle.
 28. The apparatus of claim 21 , whereinsaid at least one illumination source is within said handle and providesillumination of said handle from therewithin.
 29. The apparatus of claim21 , wherein said at least one illumination source is located at aposition remote from said handle and provides illumination of saidhandle from said position.
 30. The apparatus of claim 21 , wherein saidcontrol circuit deactivates said at least one illumination source apredetermined amount of time following said occurrence of said at leastone activating event.
 31. The apparatus of claim 21 , wherein saidhandle at least partially provides a mechanical advantage which requiresless than or equal to about 20 Newtons applied thereto in order toactivate the release mechanism of the compartment.
 32. The apparatus ofclaim 21 , wherein said handle at least partially provides a mechanicaladvantage which requires less than or equal to about 15 Newtons appliedthereto in order to activate the release mechanism of the compartment.33. The apparatus of claim 21 , wherein said handle at least partiallyprovides a mechanical advantage which requires less than or equal toabout 10 Newtons applied thereto in order to activate the releasemechanism of the compartment.
 34. The apparatus of claim 21 , whereinsaid at least one illumination source is a light emitting diode.
 35. Theapparatus of claim 34 , wherein said at least one illumination sourcedraws less than or equal to about 45 milliamps.
 36. The apparatus ofclaim 34 , wherein said at least one illumination source draws less thanor equal to about 30 milliamps.
 37. An apparatus adapt ed for use inopening a deck lid of a vehicle, said apparatus being positionablewithin a compartment substantially enclosed by the deck lid and adaptedfor operation from the interior of the compartment when the deck lid isclosed, the compartment having a release mechanism for opening the decklid, said apparatus comprising: a handle for activating the releasemechanism for opening the compartment, said handle having an attachmentfor interconnection with the release mechanism of the compartment, saidhandle at least partially providing a mechanical advantage such that therelease mechanism of the compartment may be activated upon exertion ofless than or equal to about 20 Newtons in a predetermined direction onsaid handle; at least one illumination source for providing illuminationof said handle; and a control circuit which at least temporarilyactivates said illumination source upon an occurrence of at least oneactivating event.
 38. The apparatus of claim 37 , wherein said handle atleast partially provides a mechanical advantage which requires less thanor equal to about 15 Newtons applied thereto in order to activate therelease mechanism of the compartment.
 39. The apparatus of claim 37 ,wherein said handle at least partially provides a mechanical advantagewhich requires less than or equal to about 10 Newtons applied thereto inorder to activate the release mechanism of the compartment.
 40. Theapparatus of claim 37 further including a lever arm interconnectedbetween said handle and the release mechanism of the compartment, saidlever arm being pivoted about an axis by movement of said handle suchthat the release mechanism is activated.
 41. The apparatus of claim 40 ,wherein said handle and said lever arm cooperate to at least partiallyprovide said mechanical advantage such that the compartment is openableupon exertion of less than or equal to about 20 Newtons on said handle.42. The apparatus of claim 40 , wherein said handle and said lever armcooperate to at least partially provide said mechanical advantage suchthat the compartment is openable upon exertion of less than or equal toabout 15 Newtons on said handle.
 43. The apparatus of claim 40 , whereinsaid handle and said lever arm cooperate to at least partially providesaid mechanical advantage such that the compartment is openable uponexertion of less than or equal to about 10 Newtons on said handle. 44.The apparatus of claim 40 , wherein said lever arm and the releasemechanism are interconnected by a release cable.
 45. The apparatus ofclaim 44 , wherein said handle, said lever arm and said release cablecooperate to provide said mechanical advantage such that the compartmentis openable upon exertion of less than or equal to about 20 Newtons onsaid handle.
 46. The apparatus of claim 44 , wherein said handle, saidlever arm and said release cable cooperate to provide said mechanicaladvantage such that the compartment is openable upon exertion of lessthan or equal to about 15 Newtons on said handle.
 47. The apparatus ofclaim 44 , wherein said handle, said lever arm and said release cablecooperate to provide a mechanical advantage such that the compartment isopenable upon exertion of less than or equal to about 10 Newtons on saidhandle.
 48. The apparatus of claim 37 further including a biasing memberfor biasing said handle into an initial position.
 49. The apparatus ofclaim 48 , wherein said biasing member is a torsional spring woundaround a pivot axis of said handle.
 50. The apparatus of claim 37 ,wherein said apparatus includes a housing adapted to be mounted to aninterior surface of the compartment, said handle being recessed withinsaid housing.
 51. The apparatus of claim 50 , wherein said at least oneillumination source is spaced from said handle and provides illuminationof said handle.
 52. The apparatus of claim 51 , wherein said at leastone illumination source is mounted on said housing.
 53. The apparatus ofclaim 50 , wherein said at least one illumination source is positionedwithin said handle and provides illumination of said handle fromtherewithin.
 54. The apparatus of claim 37 , wherein said at least oneillumination source is spaced from said handle and provides illuminationof said handle.
 55. The apparatus of claim 37 , wherein said at leastone illumination source is positioned within said handle and providesillumination of said handle from therewithin.
 56. The apparatus of claim37 , wherein said control circuit activates said at least oneillumination source upon each occurrence of said at least one activatingevent, said control circuit deactivating said at least one illuminationsource a predetermined amount of time following each occurrence of saidat least one activating event.